Lions Awards go to people with Gridley roots

Anderson Lion Melanie Hunter, daughter of Lion Bob Trueax and wife Ruth, of Gridley, was presented two prestigious awards at the Lions District Convention in Redding on April 19th.

Lion Hunter received the Lions International President’s Leadership Medal, the third highest award a Lion can receive, for her work with Leos, the youth level of Lions. She was instrumental in developing a leadership training conference for Leos at the California State level, held for the first time earlier this month.

Lion Hunter also received the District level Lion of the Year for her work with youth, fund raising for a women’s shelter, training Lions on the District level, and keeping the whole District functioning as the Cabinet Secretary, all while holding a full time job with an architectural firm.

Lion Trueax received recognition also, receiving an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, the fourth highest award in Lionism. This was for his work with Camp McCumber, a camp for children who have diabetes. He has been involved with the Camp for a number of years and feels it is one of the great things that Lions do.

Also, Joe Lamson was awarded Lions Citizen of the Year for the District for all he does in our community. This story was covered in a separate article.

Also covered in a separate article, Brennah Payne was winner at the District level of the annual Lions Multiple District 4 (all of California) speech contest. At this level, she won a $4,500 scholarship and the chance to continue on two more levels. The eventual final winner in the State will collect a total of $21,000 in scholarships.